Herbs, Spices And Flavorings – A Guide To Simplifying Seasonings

Great food should be judged by the company it keeps! When I read this quote I knew it would be appropriate for a future blog and here we are…Food Blog #27-Herbs, Spices and Flavorings. I cannot recall a time in my life as to when food has been such a HOT commodity as now. There are recipes on social media and magazines, cooking shows of every facet, cooking competitions, and, travel shows that feature ‘must try’ restaurants. FUN FACT…In 1970 the average grocery store carried 150 types of produce. TODAY, the average grocery store carries over 400 because of demand from consumers for variety.

Are you a cook that has a dedicated place on your counter for your mortar & pestle, or do I ‘scents’ an aromatic herb garden of your own, or, a farmers’ market fan with 10 recycled bags on your arm? Could you be you’re at the opposite end of the herb and spice spectrum and you are troubled by too many options and choices? Keeping meal time interesting on a daily basis takes dedication, patience and flavoring for the palette to be satisfied. Another FUN FACT… Actor, Dwayne Johnson, also known as The Rock is said to have eaten the same meal for an extended period of time in order to achieve the physique required for his latest film, Hercules. This leads me to wonder how these meals were prepared in order to keep Mr. Johnson content with such repetition.

I am not hesitant to add herbs, spices and flavorings, but there isn’t a rhyme or reason to my experimentation which amounts to “oh, let’s try this!” As my cooking skills have progressed I’m more interested in maximizing the best flavor in what I’m preparing. Recently, inside a box of chicken breast from Schwan’s was included a chart on how to ‘Spice Up Your Meals.’ Here’s a handy chart to easily refer to that I will now share with you.

So, what are we waiting for…let’s chop, dice, splash and marinade it up.